Suction channel end part, production method and drafting system comprising such a suction channel end part

ABSTRACT

A suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by the application of negative pressure, the suction channel end part having a first component, to which negative pressure is applied and which has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet. The suction channel end part is characterised in that the suction channel end part has a second component, which is designed as a cover element and to which negative pressure is applied and which can be exchangeably connected to the first component. The second component has an opening, which, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port, which communicates with the inlet and via which the fiber flight is removed into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from German National Patent Application No. DE 10 2019 110 731.8, filed Apr. 25, 2019, entitled “Saugkanalendteil, Herstellverfahren and Streckwerk umfassend ein solches Saugkanalendteil”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by applying negative pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such a suction channel end part is known from European Patent Publications EP 1 601 825 A1 and EP 3 026 152 A1, for example. The suction channel end part known from European Patent Publication EP 1 601 825 A1 comprises suction ports each associated with a roller pair and a spinning nozzle, whereby a suction channel end part to be coupled to only one negative pressure source can be provided, by means of which suction channel end part the rollers or the entire drafting system can be cleaned and at the same time the spinning air can be removed from the spinning nozzle.

European Patent Publication EP 3 026 152 A1 proposes a suction channel end part by means of which fiber remnants in the region of the drafting system can be efficiently removed regardless of the fiber type of the fiber band to be drafted by the drafting system. The suction channel end part has a single, larger suction port, which can be adjusted in a defined manner in the arrangement direction of the roller pairs and in accordance with the fiber-type-dependent distance between two adjacent roller pairs, which distance is to be changed, in order to make suitable allowance for the distance between the adjacent roller pairs and thus for the fiber type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to enable economical removal of fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by the application of negative pressure, said removal being adaptable to different fiber types.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by the application of negative pressure is proposed, the suction channel end part comprising a first component, to which negative pressure can be applied and which has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet. The inlet is provided for introducing or letting the fiber flight present in the region of the drafting system during operation into the suction channel end part by means of the suction flow produced by the application of negative pressure. The fiber flight is removed or let out via the outlet when negative pressure is applied.

The suction channel end part according to the invention is of a defined multi-part design, in contrast to the previously known suction channel end parts. In detail, the suction channel end part also has, in addition to the first component, a second component, which is designed as a cover element and to which negative pressure can likewise be applied. The second component can be exchangeably connected to the first component. Within the meaning of the present invention, exchangeably corresponds to the non-destructive or damage-free disconnecting and joining of the first and second components. The first and second components can be repeatedly disconnected from one another and joined by means of different fastening options. For example, positive, frictional or force-fitting connecting means can be selected. Positive connecting means such as snap-in connection means are particularly preferred because they can be released and closed in a simple manner by the application of a predefinable amount of force. Furthermore, such snap-in connection means have proven themselves particularly successful for plastics-containing materials, from which the first component and/or the second component can be produced.

The second component comprises an opening, which, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port, which communicates with the inlet and via which the fiber flight can be removed into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.

The separation of the suction port from the inlet by providing different components has proven to have the advantage that allowance can be made for different fiber types merely by exchanging the second component, which is designed as a cover element. It is thus possible to avoid the expensive replacement of a complete suction channel end part or the adjustment thereof by providing an adjustment mechanism having a correspondingly complex design.

Furthermore, the design according to the invention allows the suctioning to be adapted to different positions of the drafting system by varying the number of suction ports and/or the dimensions of the suction ports. Thus, the second component can preferably have more than one opening, the openings forming, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, suction ports that communicate with the inlet or with an associated inlet of a plurality of inlets formed together with the first component. The openings can accordingly be adapted in terms of their dimensions to the particular position of the suctioning and therefore can differ greatly from one another. The first component can also have more than one inlet or a sufficiently large inlet for communication with the openings in question.

The solution according to the invention provides for large variation in the design of the suction channel end part. Thus, alternatively, the suction channel end part can preferably have more than one second component each having at least one opening, each opening forming, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, a suction port that communicates with the inlet or with an associated inlet of a plurality of inlets formed together with the first component. It is therefore possible, if necessary, to exchange only the second component that has an opening arranged at a position at which a different opening cross-section is required for suitably removing the fiber flight when the fiber type to be processed is changed.

The suction channel end part can therefore be designed and arranged appropriately and positionally accurately depending on the requirements in the region of the drafting system. For example, the suction channel end part can be dimensioned suitably for applying suction air to at least two roller pairs of the drafting system, at least one suction port being associated with at least one roller of each roller pair. The suction port is preferably associated with a bottom roller of the roller pair. Alternatively or additionally, the suction port can be associated with a top roller of the roller pair by suitably positioning the suction channel end part in the region of the drafting system.

According to another preferred embodiment, the suction channel end part can be fastened in the region of the drafting system in a stationarily exchangeable manner. For this purpose, the suction channel end part can have a fastening means. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “fastening means” refers to a means that contributes to the fastening of the suction channel end part in the region of the drafting system. Thus, the suction channel end part can preferably comprise a snap-in connection means, such as a snap-in hook or a snap-in hook receptacle, which interacts with an associated additional snap-in connection means provided in the region of the drafting system, in order to fasten the suction channel end part. Alternatively or additionally, the suction channel end part can preferably have, as a fastening means, an exterior shape around which a flexible clip can at least partially reach in order to clamp the suction channel end part and hold it stationary.

According to another preferred embodiment, the suction channel end part comprises a funnel, which is tapered towards the opening. Such a funnel advantageously enables improved application of suction air to defined drafting system regions in order to remove the fiber flight. The funnel can more preferably be designed as an insert, which can be exchangeably fastened in or at the opening. Thus, fiber flight can be removed at defined positions in the region of the drafting system for different fiber types in a further improved manner. If, for example, a funnel has a defect, only the funnel in question has to be replaced.

The funnel can likewise be fastened at or in the associated opening in a variety of ways. Thus, a snap-in connection can likewise be provided. Alternatively, the funnel can be placed in the opening, in particular by means of a press fit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, such a suction channel end part can be produced by means a method in which a 3D printing method, a laser sintering method or a plastics injection-molding method has been used to produce at least one of the parts of the suction channel end part, such as, in particular, the first or second component or the funnel. The suction channel end part can thus be produced economically and with small tolerances.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a drafting system is proposed, which comprises at least two roller pairs for the defined drafting of a fed fiber band, a suction channel end part as described above being arranged in the region of the drafting system. The fiber flight present in the region of the drafting system during operation can thus be removed efficiently in a manner adapted to the fiber type, whereby malfunctions due to fiber flight collecting on the roller pairs can be reduced.

In a side view of the drafting system, the suction channel end part is preferably arranged at least with one opening centered with respect to one roller of an associated roller pair. An arrangement centered in this way should be understood to mean positioning in such a way that, in the side view, the center of rotation of the roller spans an isosceles triangle together with the edge points of the opening which lie opposite one another, the axis of symmetry of the triangle running through the center point of the opening. The centered arrangement of the suction port enables efficient removal of fiber flight in the region of the associated roller. The suction channel end part preferably has a plurality of openings, each opening being associated with one roller of a roller pair, and each opening being centered with respect to the roller in question. This allows fiber flight to be removed efficiently across all the roller pairs of the drafting system.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiment examples of the invention, on the basis of the figures and drawings illustrating details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any desired combination in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiment examples of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective side view of a suction channel end part according to an embodiment example,

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective side view of a first component of the suction channel end part shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective side view of a cover element of the suction channel end part shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective side view of an insert of the suction channel end part shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an arrangement of the suction channel end part shown in FIG. 1 in the region of a drafting system according to an embodiment example.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The following description is provided herein solely by way of example for purposes of providing an enabling disclosure of the invention, but does not limit the scope or substance of the invention.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a suction channel end part 1 according to an embodiment example, which is composed of a plurality of parts. The suction channel end part 1 comprises a first component 2, which is designed as a base part, and a second component 3, which is exchangeably connected to the first component 2 and is designed as a cover element.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first component 2. The first component 2 is tubular, with a longer extent along the axial tube axis than along its radial extent. According to this embodiment example, the first component 2 has such a longitudinal extent that suction air can be applied to associated rollers, either bottom rollers or top rollers, of all roller pairs of a drafting system that are provided for drafting a fiber band.

The first component 2 comprises an inlet 21 and an outlet 22 communicating with the inlet. The inlet 21 is designed as a slot running in parallel with the axial tube axis. The inlet 21 is bordered on its longitudinal sides by tongue-type guide elements 23, which can be brought into engagement with complementary groove guide elements of the second component 3 in order to join the first component 2 and the second component 3 to one another. The tongue-type guide elements 23 have an interruption 24 near the outlet 22, below which interruption a first snap-in latch 25 for latching with a first fastening means 4 is arranged, said first fastening means retaining the suction channel end part 1 in the region of a drafting system. Radial fixing can thereby be reliably achieved. In order to axially fix the suction channel end part 1 in the region of the drafting system, a snap-in lug 27 is also provided on the end of the suction channel end part 1 opposite the outlet 22, which snap-in lug runs in the direction of longitudinal extent of the suction channel end part 1 in order to latch with complementary second fastening means 5 (see FIG. 5).

The end of the tongue-type guide elements 23 near the outlet 22 has a snap-in receptacle 26 for latching with a second snap-in latch 32, which is formed by the second component 3 and by means of which the first component 2 and the second component 3 are held stationary with respect to one another in the joined state.

The design of the first component 2 shown in FIG. 2 is a preferred variant, from which a person skilled in the art can certainly deviate within their abilities in the art depending on the requirements, without departing from the concept on which the invention is based. The presented designs and arrangements of the interruptions 24, the first snap-in latches 25, the snap-in receptacles 26 and/or the snap-in lug 27 can be positioned on the first component 2 in a different location and/or in a different design depending on the requirements. Thus, the interruptions 24 could be omitted entirely or could be provided at a different position along the tongue-type guide elements 23. In conjunction with the first fastening means 4, the interruption has proven successful for simple installation of the suction channel end part 1 on the first fastening means 4 and its disassembly therefrom. The first snap-in latches 25 and the snap-in receptacles 26 could also be arranged in a different location on the first component 2, provided that the second component 3 is designed accordingly. Furthermore, the first snap-in latch 25 could have a snap-in receptacle or snap-in lug that operatively connects to a complementary snap-in means on the fastening means 4, in order to achieve the radial and axial fixing of the suction channel end part 1 in a combined way by means of a single fastening mechanism. The same applies to the snap-in lug 27 formed on the longitudinal end.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the second component 3. The second component 3 has a plate-like design, having groove-type guide elements 31, which are arranged on longitudinal sides and are provided for receiving and guiding the tongue-type guide elements 23. The second snap-in latches 32 for latching in the associated snap-in receptacles 26 are arranged at one end of the groove-type guide elements 31. Along the top side, the second component 3 has three openings 33 in total in the direction of its longitudinal extent, each opening being delimited by an edge 34 protruding relative to the top side. The edge 34 internally comprises guide grooves 35 in the passage direction of the openings 33, by means of which guide grooves an insert 36 that can be inserted into the opening 33 can be received, said insert being shown in a schematic perspective view in FIG. 4. The insert 36 is funnel-shaped, having an entry 38 and an exit 39. The opening width of the entry 38 is greater than the opening width of the exit 39. The exit 39 is complementary to the edge 34 and externally comprises guide ribs 37 for engaging in the internal guide grooves 35. In an alternative way (not shown), the guide ribs can be provided on the interior of the edge 34 and the guide grooves can be provided on the exterior of the insert 36. An additional alternative (not shown), in which the edge 34 and the exit 39 are designed in such a way that the edge 34 can be inserted into the exit 39, is conceivable. According to these embodiment examples, the exit 39 and the edge 34 are designed to exchangeably retain the insert 36 by means of a clamping force or a press fit. Alternatively, other fastening options such as clamping by means of a clamping screw, a bayonet coupling or the like can be provided.

According to this embodiment example, the suction channel end part 1 is joined by bringing the tongue-type guide elements 23 into engagement with the groove-type guide elements 31 and by performing a subsequent relative motion in the direction of longitudinal extent of the suction channel end part 1 until the second snap-in latch 32 latches into the snap-in receptacle 26. Disassembly is performed in the reverse order accordingly. Therefore, different second components 3 can be combined with the first component 2 in order to easily adequately adapt the suction channel end part 1 to different designs of a drafting system or different fiber types processed by means of the same drafting system. Likewise, differently designed first components 2 can be combined with a second component 3. The suction channel end part 1 provides a high level of variability and flexibility. Furthermore, individual parts can be readily replaced in the event of a defect.

The suction channel end part 1 or at least one of the parts thereof, such as the first component 2, the second component 3 and/or the insert 36, can be produced by means of a 3D printing method, a laser sintering method or a plastics injection-molding method depending on the requirements, taking into consideration the advantages inherent to these methods. An additional degree of freedom in the design of the suction channel end part 1 can thus be provided.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a possible arrangement of the suction channel end part 1 in the region of a drafting system. The drafting system shown purely schematically by means of roller pairs 6, 7 and 8 in FIG. 5 comprises an input roller pair 6, by means of which a fiber band is introduced into the drafting zone. The input roller pair 6 has an input bottom roller 61 and an input top roller 62. The input roller pair 6 is followed, in the fiber band transport direction R, by a middle roller pair 7, which comprises a middle bottom roller 71 and a middle top roller 72. The middle roller pair is followed, in the fiber band transport direction, by an output roller pair 8, which has an output roller 81 and an output roller 82. Drafting zones for different drafting of the fiber band passing through are formed between the individual roller pairs 6, 7, 8 in a known way, in that roller pairs arranged one downstream of the other rotate at different rotational speeds from one another during operation of the drafting system.

The suction channel end part 1, having a number of openings that corresponds to the number of roller pairs 6, 7, 8, is arranged below the roller pairs 6, 7, 8. The openings 33 are at the same distance in the fiber band transport direction R as the centers of rotation of the associated bottom rollers 61, 71, 81. The arrangement is shown centered, according to this embodiment example. The centered arrangement is clear because, in the side view shown, in particular the center of rotation of the bottom roller 81 spans an isosceles triangle D together with the edge points of the insert 36 or of the opening 33 which lie opposite one another, the axis of symmetry S of said isosceles triangle running through the center point of the insert 36 or of the opening 33. According to this embodiment example, this center arrangement is provided in the same way for the arrangement of the openings 33 that lie opposite the middle bottom roller 71 and the input bottom roller 61.

According to this embodiment example, the suction channel end part 1 is held stationary in the region of the drafting system by means of two fastening means 4, 5. The first fastening means 4 is designed as a clip that reaches around the outer periphery of the suction channel end part 1 and with which the first snap-in latch 25 provided on the suction channel end part 1 engages. The first fastening means 4 has a fixing element 41, which is designed as a snap-in latch and can be fixed in the region of the drafting system on a support of the roller pairs, on a support of the drafting system or on a frame portion of the workstation of the textile machine by means of a complementary element. The second fastening means 5 is arranged downstream of the output roller pair 8 in the fiber band transport direction in the region of the drafting system and has a snap-in receptacle (not shown), in which the snap-in lug 27 engages in the installed state.

The arrangement of the suction channel end part 1 allows fiber flight arising in the region of the roller pairs 6, 7, 8 to be reliably and efficiently removed during operation of the drafting system. The fiber flight is sucked via the funnel-shaped opening of the insert 36 into the opening 33 in the second component 3 by means of a suction flow, as a result of a negative pressure in the suction channel end part 1, and, after first passing through the inlet 21 of the first component 2, is removed through the outlet 22. According to this embodiment example, the outlet 22 of the first component 2 is designed as a hose connection element for connecting a negative-pressure hose, by means of which a negative-pressure flow can be introduced into the suction channel end part 1 by applying a negative pressure or, if necessary, a positive-pressure flow can be introduced into the suction channel end part by applying a positive pressure. A positive-pressure flow that can be introduced has the advantage that the suction channel end part 1 and/or the associated rollers can be blown clear or freed of fiber flight as necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 Suction channel end part     -   2 First component     -   3 Second component     -   4 First fastening means     -   5 Second fastening means     -   6 Input roller pair     -   7 Middle roller pair     -   8 Output roller pair     -   21 Inlet     -   22 Outlet     -   23 Tongue-type guide element     -   24 Interruption     -   25 First snap-in latch     -   26 Snap-in receptacle     -   27 Snap-in lug     -   31 Groove-type guide element     -   32 Second snap-in latch     -   33 Opening     -   34 Edge     -   35 Guide groove     -   36 Insert     -   37 Guide rib     -   38 Entry     -   39 Exit     -   41 Fixing element     -   61 Input bottom roller     -   62 Input top roller     -   71 Middle bottom roller     -   72 Middle top roller     -   81 Output bottom roller     -   82 Output top roller     -   D Isosceles triangle     -   R Fiber band transport direction     -   S Axis of symmetry

It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by applying negative pressure, the suction channel end part comprising a first component, to which negative pressure is applied and which has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet, characterised in that the suction channel end part has a second component, which is a cover element and to which negative pressure is applied and which is exchangeably connected to the first component, the second component having an opening, which, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port, which communicates with the inlet and via which the fiber flight is removed into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.
 2. The suction channel end part according to claim 1, characterised in that the second component has more than one opening, the openings forming, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, suction ports that communicate with the inlet or with an associated inlet of a plurality of inlets formed together with the first component.
 3. The suction channel end part according to claim 1, characterised in that the suction channel end part has more than one second component each having at least one opening, each opening forming, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, a suction port that communicates with the inlet or with an associated inlet of a plurality of inlets formed together with the first component.
 4. The suction channel end part according to claim 2, characterised in that the suction channel end part is dimensioned suitably for applying suction air to at least two roller pairs of the drafting system, at least one suction port being associated with at least one roller of each roller pair.
 5. The suction channel end part according to claim 1, characterised in that the suction channel end part comprises at least one fastening for stationary fastening in the region of the drafting system.
 6. The suction channel end part according to claim 1, characterised in that the suction channel end part comprises a funnel, which is tapered towards the opening.
 7. The suction channel end part according to claim 6, characterised in that the funnel is formed by an insert, which is exchangeably fastened in or at the opening.
 8. A method for producing a suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by applying negative pressure, the suction channel end part comprising a first component, to which negative pressure is applied and which has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet, the method comprising: producing at least one part of the suction channel end part using a 3D printing method, a laser sintering method or a plastics injection-molding method, wherein the suction channel end part has a second component, which is a cover element and to which negative pressure is applied and which is exchangeably connected to the first component, the second component having an opening, which, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port, which communicates with the inlet and via which the fiber flight is removed into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.
 9. A drafting system comprising a plurality of a roller pairs for the defined drafting of a fed fiber band, characterised in that a suction channel end part is arranged in the region of the drafting system, wherein the suction channel end part for removing fiber flight in the region of a drafting system by applying negative pressure, the suction channel end part comprising a first component, to which negative pressure is applied and which has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet, wherein the suction channel end part has a second component, which is a cover element and to which negative pressure is applied and which is exchangeably connected to the first component, the second component having an opening, which, in the joined state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port, which communicates with the inlet and via which the fiber flight is removed into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.
 10. The drafting system according to claim 9, characterised in that, in a side view of the drafting system, the suction channel end part is arranged at least with one opening centered with respect to one roller of an associated roller pair. 